Nick Novak kicks his way to AFC special teams player of the week

The Chargers needed a win against the Raiders last Sunday to keep their playoff hopes alive and they got it with a lot of help from kicker Nick Novak.

Novak made all four field goals that he tried and added two extra points to account for 14 Chargers points in their 26-13 victory. As a result, he’s been named the AFC special teams player of the week.

It’s the second time that Novak has been so honored this season. Quarterback Philip Rivers has also won weekly honors twice this season.

Novak has converted 32-of-35 field goal attempts this season with two of his misses coming on blocks. The 32 field goals are third-most in the NFL this season and he’s two field goals shy of tying John Carney for the franchise record for most made field goals in a season.

The Chargers host the Chiefs this weekend and need to win and get some help to wind up with the sixth playoff spot in the AFC.